Glossary of Wire & Cable Terminology

VA - Abbreviation for volt-ampere. A designation of power in terms of volts and amperes.

V BABAND - A band of microwave frequencies. See frequency band.

VEL. - Abbreviation for velocity.

VELELCRO® - Set of nylon strips of interlocking barbs on one strip and hooks on another that can be fastened and unfastened repeatedly. Velcro® is a trademark of the Velcro Industries B.V.

VELOCITY OF PROPAGATION - Is the ratio of the speed of an electric signal down a length of cable compared to the speed of light in free space. All insulated cables have this ratio and it is expressed in percentage. It is the reciprocal of the square root of the dielectric constant of the cable insulation. For example, in the case of coaxial cables with polyethylene dielectric, this ratio is 65% to 66%.

VITON® - A synthetic family of elastomer for high performance jacketing material. It possesses very good resistance to chemicals, heat, fire, and good mechanical properties. Viton® is a trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers.

VLF - Abbreviation for very low frequency. See frequency band.

VOLT - A unit of measure of electromotive force. One volt is the amount of pressure that will cause one ampere of current in one ohm of resistance. Abbreviation V.

VOLTAGE - The term most often used in place of electromotive force, potential, potential difference, or voltage drop to designate the electric pressure that exists between two points and is capable of producing a current when a close circuit is connected between two points.

VOLTAGE BREAKDOWN - A test to determine maximum voltage of insulated wire before electrical current leakage through insulation occurs.

VOLTAGE RATING - The highest voltage which may be applied to a wire or cord for continuous service in conformance with the governing standards or specifications.

VSWR - Abbreviation for Voltage Standing Wave Ratio. The ratio of the voltage maximum to voltage minimum which exists in a transmission line. Caused when there is reflection of incident wave, due to a discontinuity or improper match to the transmission line (see Standing Wave Ratio).

VW-1 - Vertical flame test for wire and cable. A standard established by Underwriters Laboratories. Formerly know as FR-1.

Standard Wire & Cable Company can supply you with the right sizes, types, and quantities of product you need to keep you on schedule and your management happy. We have been doing this for companies since 1947.

If you need a non-stock item, don't worry. We will make it for you. Custom cable and custom heat shrink shapes are another of our specialties. We will design, engineer, and manufacture to meet your exact requirements.